Wednesday, September 13, 2006

From Coach to Student of Positive Coaching (revised 1/30/2008)

Coaches are an interesting bunch. With the exception of a few coaches like Bill Belichick--New England Patriots--most don't stike me as too bright or talented. In my time as an althlete, I remember just one coach that seemed to embody everything that the Postive Coaching Alliance aims to achieve.

A recent conversation with another coach has insipred my to reflect on coaches as learners. I believe most coaches need to re-learn how to motivate players using tools provided by PCA. The problem is that most coaches don't take the time to become students again. They latch onto the tools and forms and continue to focus exclusively on skills. I recently reviewed a Positve Chart document created by my coaching friend following his game. It completely focused on physical skills to the complete exlucusion of anything to do with sportsmanship, teambuilding, fair play, etc. When I called him on this me told me that he "closely" follows the suggestions of PCA.

Well, like I said, coaches are not the smartest bunch. So, as you journey forward, don't be like my coach friend. Instead, be like Bill Belichick and be a student of the PCA games. Spend some time learning the specific suggestions and avoid the tendency to do a superfical review. Just because you have the forms this does not mean that you are applying the principles and concepts.

Bye for now,
mills

Monday, September 04, 2006

Team Warmup Exercise Routine

In this post, I share with you a collection of warmup exercises. This list was developed during the spring 2006 lacrosse season and then refined for flag football. You'll want to develop a similar list for your youth sports team. This season, I will laminate the sheet for quick review with the team captains.

My sheet includes the following warmup and begin static stretches. Print the attached graphic for more detail.

  1. Stick Jacks
  2. Windmill Arms (Front / Back)
  3. Butt Kicking (1 min)
  4. Toe Touch (3 count)
  5. Front of the Shoulder Stretch
  6. Triceps Stretch
  7. Flamingoes (Left & Right)
  8. Quadricep Stretch
  9. Standing Hamstring Stretch (L&R)
  10. Calf Stretch
  11. Hamstring Stretch (L & R)
  12. Supine Hamstring Stretch
  13. Groin Stretch
  14. Sit and Reach
  15. Lunge Stretch
  16. Basic Push Up
  17. Team Jog
Bye for now,
Mills